Central Macedonia Deputy Governor Calls for Sustainable Tourism Practices

Central Macedonia Deputy Regional Governor Ioannis Giorgos.

Central Macedonia Deputy Regional Governor Ioannis Giorgos spoke about the progress of infrastructure projects relating to tourism and the importance of sustainable practices in the region during the 3rd Tourism Conference held in Thessaloniki, last week.

Jointly organized by the American, British, French, German and Italian chambers of commerce in Greece, the event titled “Quality in Mass – A Recipe for Success” focused on tourism growth, investments, infrastructure and sustainability.

Thessaloniki, northern Greece.

“Each one of us can boast about the soaring tourism traffic to our country, but this impressive increase has also led to socio-economic tensions, creating an unbearable burden on the infrastructure of local communities along the main coastal zone taking a toll on the permanent residents there,” said Giorgos.

In view of this reality, Giorgos underlined the necessity for national planning, incentives and projects that will ensure the coexistence of tourism growth with local community needs and standards of living.

Indicatively, Giorgos referred to the priorities set by the Central Macedonia regional government, which include protecting and enhancing the natural environment; modernizing road networks with emphasis on safety; ensuring the sustainable management of water resources and upgrading infrastructure projects; the creation or upgrade of port and airport infrastructure; improving the museum experience through effective operations; preserving and restoring traditional architecture.